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Residential Speed Limit Reduction Proposal

Portland City Council will consider a proposal on January 17, 2018, to reduce the speed limit on all residential streets to 20 miles per hour. If the ordinance passes, the Portland Bureau of Transportation will begin updating speed limit signs in February and expects to complete the process by April 1, 2018.

Residential streets make up around 70 percent of Portland’s street network and a large proportion of the city’s total public space. Reducing residential speeds is part of a broader citywide effort to support safe driving speeds on many types of streets.

20 mph speed limit would support safety

Most residential streets in Portland are narrow, have few marked crosswalks, and no bike lanes; given the tight space and lack of protection for people walking, using mobility devices, and biking, it is important that people drive slowly on residential streets.

Sign installation would start in February

If Portland City Council approves the new residential speed limit, PBOT will adjust speed limit signage beginning in February 2018 and continue through March. PBOT would double the number of residential speed limit signs, installing approximately 2,000 across the city. At some locations, existing signs would be relocated to maximize their effectiveness.

As is the case today, not every residential street would have a speed limit sign, but the 20 mph speed limit would be in effect on all residential streets.